5 vegan recipes starring coconut milk
What's the story
Coconut milk is a versatile ingredient that lends a creamy texture and rich flavor to vegan dishes.
Extracted from the grated pulp of mature coconuts, it's used widely across different cuisines of the world.
Its natural sweetness and smooth consistency make it a great dairy substitute in vegan cooking.
Here, we take a look at five vegan dishes where coconut milk takes center stage, boosting taste and texture.
Curry dish
Creamy coconut curry delight
Coconut milk makes for the ideal base for a creamy curry.
Mixing it up with spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander can give you a delicious sauce that goes well with veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and peas.
The richness of coconut milk cuts through the heat from spices while adding a layer to the overall taste.
Pair it with rice/quinoa for a complete meal.
Soup dish
Velvety coconut soup experience
Adding coconut milk to soups gives them a velvety texture that makes them all the more appealing.
A favorite option is Thai-inspired coconut soup made with lemongrass, ginger, mushrooms, and tofu. The coconut milk adds creaminess without dominating the flavors of other ingredients.
This soup gives you warmth on chilly days while providing essential nutrients through its plant-based elements.
Dessert dish
Decadent coconut rice pudding treat
Coconut rice pudding makes for an indulgent dessert option with simple ingredients like rice, sugar or maple syrup for sweetness and aromatic spices like cinnamon or cardamom (optional).
Everything is cooked together until thickened before topping off with fresh fruit slices (optional).
The coconut milk makes sure that every spoonful stays luscious till the last bite, making this treat hard to resist even after multiple servings.
Stir-fry dish
Savory coconut stir-fry creation
A savory stir-fry benefits greatly from adding some creamy goodness (via canned full-fat unsweetened variety), which coats veggies evenly during the cooking process.
This results not only in a visually appealing dish but a deliciously satisfying one!
Combine your favorite vegetables, like broccoli florets, alongside protein sources such as tofu cubes.
Then toss everything together over high heat, ensuring a quick yet thorough preparation time, yielding delightful results every time!
Smoothie drink
Refreshing coconut smoothie boost
For those looking for refreshing drink options, try blending up healthy smoothies with none other than our star ingredient itself.
Just toss in frozen fruits (bananas work well) plus handfuls of leafy greens (spinach works wonders here) before adding generous amounts of chilled liquid form directly into the blender jar.
Blitz till silky smooth and enjoy any time of day, for breakfast, a snack, or post-workout refuel session alike!